Adopt-a-ward visits connect current Airmen with heroes, heritage

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The actions and sacrifices of past U.S. military servicemembers have allowed the current generation of servicemembers to thrive, said Master Sgt. Robert Taylor. "We must not forget those who protected our grandparents, parents and us so we can be here to wear the uniform today." 

In addition to his duties serving as the 653rd Electronic Systems Group Ground Based Infrastructure Laboratories superintendent, Sergeant Taylor voluntarily coordinates monthly visits by Hanscom personnel to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass. 

Hanscom volunteers visit veterans in the hospital's fourth ward, which is the base's adopted ward. Some of the veterans in this ward come and go; others stay at the hospital on a permanent basis. Most are able to walk and carry on conversations, Sergeant Taylor said. 

Last month, more than a dozen Hanscom people visited with approximately 20 veterans. Many echoed sentiments similar to Sergeant Taylor's. 

"They sacrificed so much for our nation. I wanted to take a couple of hours out of my schedule to see how they are doing," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin S. Wright, 66th Mission Support Group Information Management and Support. "The 'bottom line' is, we should never leave a veteran alone -- I am honored that I had a chance to visit with them." 

Senior Airman Charles Morse, 653rd Electronic Systems Group Certification and Test Facility manager, said, "Our veterans are great Americans and should always be treated as such. I am just glad that I am given a chance to tell them how much we, as a country, appreciate the sacrifices they made so we could continue to live free here today. 

"To me having the opportunity to spend some time with those who have served before me is a reward in itself. It's nice to be able to exchange 'thank yous' with them and listen to their stories." 

In addition to expressing their appreciation for the services of the veterans, the visits offer the current servicemembers a glimpse into the heritage of military service. Tech. Sgt. Shon Teicheira, 66th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of standardization evaluation, said paying homage to this heritage was important for today's military members. 

"It is my honor to spend just a few hours a month with those who have given a lifetime of service to this country and our way of life," he said. "If I cannot spend just a few hours a month with some of our country's heroes, what type of example am I setting for our future leaders?" 

During the visits, many of the vets share with the current Airmen stories of their service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, Sergeant Taylor said. For some of the men and women at the VA hospital, their only "family" members are those in their "military family." "They share a kinship with us fellow 'wearers of the uniform,'" he said. "The vets like to know that all they gave is not forgotten. The outstanding VA staff does a lot to make daily life interesting for the [veterans], but a visit from the active-duty force is something special they look forward to." 

Shared stories about past battles aren't the only topics that occupy the visiting hours. Bingo, as Staff Sgt. Dominic Buzzelli learned, is something some veterans "take seriously." During his visit to the VA hospital last month, Sergeant Buzzelli, 66 SFS, was seated with two veterans; each person at the table had three or four cards. One of the men left the table and left his cards in the care of Sergeant Buzzelli and the other veteran, who eventually fell asleep. Sergeant Buzzelli then began watching all of the cards. 

"After a round or two, one of the vets at the table next to us noticed this and got up, came over -- obviously a little angry -- and said, 'Everyone only gets two cards, that's not fair. You can't play for him.' At that point, I realized I had10 Bingo cards in front of me, trying to play them all myself. Apparently you're only supposed to have two per person," Sergeant Buzzelli said. "It was pretty funny at the time; you always seem to make friends when you go there." 

Making friendships is something Capt. Tori Easterling Doby, Electronic Systems Center Global Combat Support System, said she looks forward to during her visits. 

"I try to volunteer on a monthly basis because it is so awesome to give back to men and women who have already given so much. I enjoy going to the [VA hospital] because [the veterans] enjoy talking and spending time with the troops and I enjoy listening and sharing with them." 

To volunteer for any of these events, arrange transportation or for more information, call Master Sgt. Robert Taylor at (781) 377-1675 or e-mail Robert.Tay lor2@hanscom.af.mil. 

Aug. 17: An Adopt-a-Ward visit is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Transportation will be provided; a van will leave the front of building 1305 at 1 p.m. and will return around 3 p.m. Servicemembers may also drive personal vehicles. 

Aug. 22: The annual Veterans' Cookout will be held at the Lowell, Mass., Veterans Community Care Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be sponsored by the Air Force Association. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, cooking, serving and socializing with the veterans. A volunteer is also needed to tow a large gas grill from Hanscom to the event location and back. Servicemembers should wear Battle Dress Uniforms. Transportation will be provided for up to 14 people; a van will depart the Fitness and Sports Center parking lot at 10 a.m. Volunteers may also drive personal vehicles. 

Sept. 21: An Adopt-a-Ward visit is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Transportation will be provided; a van will leave the front of building 1305 at 1 p.m. and will return around 3 p.m. Servicemembers may also drive personal vehicles. 

Sept. 30: The Air Force Association will host a large-scale veterans' cookout at the Bedford, Mass., VA hospital from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Between 400 and 600 veterans from Bedford, Lowell and Boston are expected to attend. Volunteers are needed to help with cooking, serving and escorting patients. Transportation will be available, but volunteers may drive their personal vehicles as well. A van will depart from building 1305 at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 2:30 p.m.